GOMESA Application Details
- 1. Title of Project
- Keegans Bayou Restoration
- 2. Location of Project
- City of Biloxi, Harrison County, Located on the south side of the Back Bay of Biloxi at the I-110 Corridor
- 3. Requesting Organization
- City of Biloxi, supported by Keesler Air Force Base
- 4a. Name
- A.M. Gilich, Jr.
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 228-435-6254
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 140 Lameuse Street
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Biloxi, MS 39530
- 4f. Email
- mayor@biloxi.ms.us
- 5. FundingRequested
- $2,520,000
- Awarded Amount:
- $2,520,000
- 6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources
- Yes
- 7a. Amount of Additional Funds
- $69,978
- 7b. Source of Additional Funds
- Local funds
- 8. Total Project Funds Amount
- $2,589,978
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- Years of illegal dumping and unregulated storm water discharge into Keegan Bayou have compromised its ability to function effectively as a natural buffer to mitigate storm damage, decrease uplands flooding and support marine and uplands habitat. The years of accumulated debris resulting from illegal dumping and hurricane deposits (including Hurricane Katrina) must be removed through selective dredging in order to restore Keegans Bayou and allow it to function as a natural buffer for storm-damage prevention, flood reduction and ecosystem preservation. Following the removal of debris and invasive/non-native plant species. enviromnentally appropriate measures, including re-establishing appropriate marsh plants, will be implemented to slow down and disburse road runoff and stormwater discharged directly into the bayou to allow pollutants 10 settle before entering the Back Bay of Biloxi. Following restoration activities, as Phase 2 of this project, the City intends to install public access improvements. including a floating kayak launch and an environmentally sensitive boardwalk enhanced with educational signage lo improve public awareness about the benefits of tidelands/wetlands conservation in terms of storm mitigation, flood prevention and ecosystem preservation.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- 1. Removal of pollutants caused by illegal dumping and hurricane deposits 2. Removal of invasive/non-native plant species 3. Re-establishing appropriate marsh plants 4. Restoration of the natural function of Keegans Bayou as a buffer to mitigate Storm damage, decrease uplands flooding and support marine and uplands habitat 5. Storm-damage prevention, flood reduction and ecosystem preservation
- 11. Which of the following authorized uses set forth in the GOMESA Act does this project fall under?
- (A) Projects and activities for the purpose of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetlands losses
- Yes: The restoration of Keegans Bayou will protect a coastal area by reducing flooding. Since Hurricane Katrina, the Bayou has and become shallower, causing flooding in many areas, including Keesler Air Force Base. Returning the Bayou to its natural state and depth will aid in stormwater flow and allow the Bayou to serve its natural function, reducing the need for artificial storm water drainage systems.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: Years of illegal dumping and hurricane deposits have clogged Keegans Bayou. Removal of the foreign objects and sediment will aid in recreating a natural habitat for fish and wildlife.
- (C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.
- (D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
- Yes: Environmentally appropriate measures, including re-establishing appropriate marsh plants, will be implemented to slow down and disburse road runoff and stormwater discharged directly into the bayou to allow pollutants to settle before entering the Back Bay of Biloxi.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- Initial engineering including concept, hydrographic survey and permitting has begun. The project schedule is as follows: Phase 1: Concept, survey and permitting. The City has begun this process utilizing local funds. October 2021 - September 2022 Phase 2: Construction, proposed performance time is 1 year. October 2023 - September 2024 Develop Request for Proposal Advertise and Award contract Perform Sediment and Debris removal Phase 3 Planting of marsh grass. Proposed performance time is 1 year. October 2024 - July 2025
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- In Progress Funds Budgeted
- 15. In what way does this project meet the goals and objectives of the Department of Marine Resources, which includes enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interest of Mississippi for present and future generations?
- This project meets the eligibility for GOMESA funding as it restores the tidal bayou to its natural condition and provides hurricane protection to Biloxi and Keeler Air Force Base. Since before Hurricane Katrina this beautiful and natural estuary has become increasingly sediment and debris filled. This impacts the natural tidal flow which in turn impacts the habitat for birds, marine wildlife and fish. The Bayou has become so shallow that any natural tidal flow has been interrupted. During hurricanes and tropical weather events, the stormwater pushes into central Biloxi and Keesler Air Force Base causing flooding and storm damage.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 2
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 7/31/2025
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $0
- Travel
- $0
- Architecture & Engineering
- $477,500
- Legal
- $0
- Consulting
- $0
- Construction
- $2,100,000
- Site Work
- $0
- Equipment
- $0
- Indirects
- $0
- Other
- $12,477
- Total
- $2,589,978
- Internal Project Number
- 2024022
- Application Submission Date
- 07/01/2022
- Fiscal Year
- 2024
- Project Status
- Awarded
- Application Status
- Accepted
- Meets Criteria
- Yes
- Internal Notes:
- 1636-v